Hardscape - St. Clare Garden - Santa Clara University

Hardscape is the non-living functional elements of a garden such as paths, seating, and edging. Sustainable hardscape materials should come from recycled materials, be non-polluting, and, if possible, be produced locally to avoid excessive use of non-renewable energy sources such as petroleum and coal. Furthermore they should prevent soil erosion, water run-off, and last a long time before needing to be replaced.

Central basin in St. Clare Garden Photo by Edward Rooks © 2005

In the St. Clare Garden the following sustainable hardscape materials were used:

Decomposed granite path fines allow water to percolate into the ground
Edging boards along paths are made of a recycled sawdust building material
Mortared flagstone salvaged from elsewhere on campus is used in places of heavy use to avoid water puddling and erosion
High-quality durable wood benches and wooden arbors will last many years and don’t need to be varnished or painted
Large concrete pots are durable and prevent the trees they are containing from getting too big

The central feature of the garden, a granite grinding bowl, is an example of recycled hardscape; it was made by local Ohlone Indians during the Mission Period (ca. 1775-1830).

This web site was written and designed by Nancy Lucid whose research was supported by a generous grant from the Bannan Institute for Jesuit Educational Mission at Santa Clara University.